| The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida
Julie
Register visited this resort spa in Florida in October 2012
The largest spa in Central Florida. This 40,000-square-foot sanctuary features 40 treatment rooms, wet areas, wellness and fitness center, salon, boutique and café.
I have wanted to visit The Ritz-Carlton Spa® Orlando, Grande Lakes since I heard Executive Spa Director Suzanne Holbrook talk about Best Practices from The Ritz Carlton at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference in New York City in 2009. She discussed her methods to instill a service-oriented culture, develop staff and measure
customer satisfaction to create a superior guest experience. She offered ideas for
hotel spas to more effectively market their spas, membership and loyalty programs, as well as PR
hooks (tea bar, roof garden and hammock massage). While I found everything Suzanne said extremely valuable, it was the idea of the hammock massage that intrigued me.
Eco-Rooftop Hammock Experience
When I made my arrangements to go to the 2012 ISPA conference in Kissimmee, I also arranged to try the Eco-Rooftop Hammock Experience at The Ritz-Carlton Spa® in Orlando since I would be in the area. Sadly, a week or so before the trip, I was told the service would not be available on the day of my visit. I scheduled another service as well as a massage for my husband.
The spa stands alone in its own impressive 40,000 square-foot building next to its private, adult-only, heated, 4,000-square foot outdoor lap pool. The reception desk, boutique, fitness center and Vitale Spa Café are located on the first floor. The salon and separate men's and women's locker rooms and wet areas are located on the second floor. The co-ed lounge and 40 treatment rooms are found on the third floor.
Jeff and I arrived at the spa early so that we could use the fitness center before our treatments.
Guests receive complimentary access to the Wellness and Fitness Center which features an array of free weights, weight machines, and cardio equipment with TVs.
After about 45 minutes on the strength machines, I told my husband that I would meet him in the co-ed lounge after his massage and headed upstairs to the women's locker room. I had time to shower and use the sauna, steam room and whirlpool before my appointment.
The whirlpool in the Women's Locker Room*
I wandered into the women's lounge about five minutes before my appointment time. On the coffee table was a journal that encouraged guests to share experiences with breast cancer. There were touching stories of friends and relatives who had succumbed to the disease. There were notes of encouragement to those who were fighting it. It was a very nice touch.
Women's Lounge*
At the appointed time, Mandy quietly spoke my name, introduced herself and escorted me to the salon.
The Salon*
I was having The Bee Pampered Pedicure. Mandy helped me into pedicure chair.  (show details)
Spa Pedicure Area
I placed my feet in the footbath and
immediately
noticed that the bowl was not piped (a very good thing!). Mandy turned the agitators in the footbath and the vibrator in the chair on. My chair gently vibrated in bands across the seat and back. There were four shells with different products in them on a table next to the footbath. Mandy held up a shell that contained sweet buttery nectar milk for me to smell before she added it to the footbath. It smelled fabulous! I asked her if it was a Farm Fresh product. She said it was. You can just tell. My feet soaked for a while in order to soften the skin. She removed my polish, shaped my nails and filed my callouses. She applied a whipped honey foot scrub from one of the shells and rinsed it off. From another shell, she applied a pumpkin glaze to my feet then wrapped them in warm towels. After a few minutes, she removed the mask and gave my feet and lower legs a light massage with sweet cream body milk from the last shell. The final touch was an application of SpaRitual "Clay" Vegan Nail Lacquer.
Co-ed Relaxation Lounge
After drying my toes for a while, I wandered up to the third floor co-ed lounge where I found Jeff on a chaise lounge. He looked relaxed and had enjoyed his Ritz-Carlton Signature Customized Massage.
Vitale Spa Café features signature smoothies and healthy cuisine.
We were hungry, so we decided it was time for lunch at Vitale Spa Café. We decided to sit outside on the patio overlooking the pool. The weather was lovely. Kimberley and Susan were our servers and did a great job. We started with a smoothie. Jeff got a Pom-Berry (Pomegranate, Blueberry, Strawberry, Honey, Soy Milk and Raspberry Sorbet. I got Mighty Green (Apple, Honeydew, Spinach, Wheatgrass, Avocado, Mint and Lemon Sorbet). It tastes much better than it sounds. We shared a starter of Steamed Shrimp Dumplings with soy dipping sauce, which we enjoyed. The entire menu looked tempting, but we both decided on Blue Crab Salad (Crab and Asparagus Salad, Herb Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette). It was served with thin, crispy, salty Lavosh. It was fabulous!
Private Spa Lap Pool
Jeff and I moved to the pool area. We took two lounge covers and two towels as we entered and claimed two lounge chairs by a cabana where we spent the rest of the afternoon. We chatted and read. Jeff was reading Is Your Genius at Work?: 4 Key Questions to Ask Before Your Next Career Move
and I was reading At Home: A Short History of Private Life .
Salon
I went back to the salon for a manicure in the middle of the afternoon. Joy had to first soak off the Shellac. She then shaped them up and applied "Bubble Bath" GelColor by OPI. This is the first time I tried GelColor. I have to say I like it. It uses an LED light that cures the gel in about 1/3 the time of Shellac under UV light (without the health concerns). It instantly dries. It is long lasting. As I am writing this 15 days after the application, it still looks good. (I know I should change it after 10 days.)
Eco-Rooftop where the Hammock Experience is given
I returned to the pool via a quick tour of the Eco-Rooftop where the Hammock Experience is given. Maybe next time...
During the time of my visit, The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes also offered the following services:
Massage
- The Ritz-Carlton Signature Customized Massage
- Drift To Sleep
- East Indian Lime Scalp and Body Massage
- Ashiatsu Massage
- Neuromuscular
- Top to Toe Massage and Facial
- Four Hands Massage
- Steaming Stones
- Thai Massage
- Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi
- Invigorating Organic Scalp Massage
- Hands and Feet Rejuvenation
- Reflexology
- Pregnancy Massage
Eco-Rooftop Hammock Experience
- Couples Massage
- Poultice Massage
- Bee Pampered Massage
Body Treatments
- Algae Body Treatment
- Slimming, Firming and Cellulite Program
- Personal Training Session
- Body Composition Assessment
- Revitalize Ritual
- Renew Ritual
- Rejuvenate Ritual
- Relax Body Ritual
- Couples Rose Petal Gentle Bathing Ritual
- Harvest Glow Hot Honey Treatment
Hair Services
Art of Well
Gentlemen
Mothers-to-be
Kids and Teen Spa
Cabana Packages
Day Packages
| Facials
- Alpha Beta Peel®
- Alpha Beta Deluxe Facial®
- Anti-Aging Pro Lift Facial
- Skin Authority Transformation
- The Citrus C Organic Facial
- Back Treatment
- The Ritz-Carlton Signature Tailored Facial
- Non-Surgical Facelift & Microdermabrasion
- Deep Wrinkle Treatment (Microdermabrasion, Deep Serum Infusion and LED light therapy)
- Age-Defying Non-Surgical Face Lift
- Express Pro Lift Facial
- Deep Cleansing Organic Escape
- Men's Hot Towel Facial
- Intense Hydrating Facial
Nail Services
- The Girlfriends' Martini Manicure and Pedicure Ritual
- The MAN-icure Just for Him
- Classic Citrus Indulgence Manicure
- Classic Citrus Indulgence Pedicure
- Macho, Macho Pedicure
- Deluxe Café Latte Stone Therapy Manicure
- Deluxe Café Latte Stone Therapy Pedicure
- Ultimate Relaxology Pedicure
- The Ritz-Carlton Signature Organic Manicure and Pedicure
- Arnica Foot Soak and Buff
- Ultimate Anti-Aging Manicure Treatment
- GELeration
- The Bee Pampered Pedicure
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More
Information
Contact
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
• Address:
4012 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, Florida 32837
• Spa: 407-393-4200
• Web Site
• Email: appointments@theseagatespa.com
• The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes DiscoverSpas.com Listing page
• Discover More Spas in Florida
Spa FYI
Prior to Arrival
• What time shall I arrive?
To enhance your Spa experience, please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled treatment. This will allow time to relax in the lounges, saunas, steam rooms and whirlpool.
• Do I shave before my treatment?
Shaving is recommended but not necessary for men prior to a facial. If you choose to shave prior to your facial, please do so at least two hours before your appointment. Shaving is not recommended prior to body treatments or hair removal services.
• What should I not bring to the Spa?
Lockers are available for clothing; however, it is recommended that you leave valuable items in the safe in your guest room or at home. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off while you are in the Spa.
Spa Services
• Do you have to be a certain age to enjoy spa treatments?
For young adults under 16, the Kids and Teens Spa Adventures and Treatments are available, and can be reserved through the Spa Reservations Department. Children’s activities available through the Ritz Kids program can be scheduled through Guest Services. The Spa pool and recreation facilities are reserved for guests over 16.
• May I use the fitness center amenities without getting a spa treatment?
Hotel guests not receiving spa treatments may use the fitness center complimentarily. Use of the locker rooms, sauna, steam, whirlpool and lap pool has a daily fee. Guests not staying at the hotels may use the full facilities for a daily fee.
• Are gift certificates available from the Spa? You may purchase gift certificates for a specific dollar amount. Spa gift certificates can be used toward services or purchases at Tranquility, Spa boutique. Contact the Spa for additional information.
Upon Arrival
• What do I wear? Most body treatments are enjoyed without clothing, however, please wear whatever is comfortable for you. Disposable underwear is available upon request. During all treatments, the body is fully draped, except for the area being worked on. Robes and slippers are provided in the men's and women's lounges before and after treatments.
• What about my comfort? Your Spa experience is your time, and you should delight in it to the fullest. If you experience discomfort due to room temperature, massage pressure, music volume or any other conditions, please tell your therapist immediately.
Health Questions
• What if I have special health concerns?
When making reservations, please notify the agent if you have high blood pressure, allergies, any physical ailments or disabilities, or if you are pregnant (there are a few services that should be avoided during pregnancy, specifically in the first trimester, but many that can be enjoyed).
Spa Policies
• What if I am late for my treatment?
Arriving late will simply limit the time of your treatment, thus lessening its effectiveness and your pleasure. Your treatment will end on time so the next guest will not be delayed. The full value of your treatment will be charged.
• What if I need to cancel my scheduled appointment? If you must reschedule or cancel your appointment, please notify the spa at least six hours in advance to avoid being charged the full service fee. Cancellations of packages or private parties require one week's notice. Groups are subject to a four-week cancellation policy. Please see the Group Coordinator for additional information.
• Are gratuities included? For your convenience, a 20% service charge will be added to each spa service received. The service charge is dispersed to the spa staff members who served you during your visit. Additional gratuities are at your discretion.
• How do I pay? A credit card number is required at the time reservations are made. All major credit cards and travelers checks are accepted. You may also charge spa services to your hotel bill or member account.
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Photos
courtesy of The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lake
except those marked * which are Copyright Julie Register 2012
As is common in the travel industry, Julie Register was provided with a pedicure and spa cuisine by The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, she believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest
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Lantana Spa at JW Marriott San Antonio
Farm to Treatment Table Lavender Experience
This package is available Saturdays only, May 12 – July 14 (excluding June 8), must be booked one week in advance and requires 48 hours notice for cancellation.
Includes
Hill Country Lavender Farm tour,
a bottle of organic lavender massage oil made at the farm,
lunch at Replenish Spa Café with items featuring lavender, and a lavender-based spa treatment featuring the organic lavender massage oil from the Hill Country Lavender farm.
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I'm a believer.
~ Julie
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